Electrical problems - battery not charging, warning lights glowing, general elec

[simondstewart]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum, grateful for some advice if possible. My Galaxy has had a few minor electrical problems in the last year which have come to a head in the past week.

In the Spring I noticed a clicking noise from the passenger side window control. Pressing the switch down a few millimeters alleviated the problem and it was only occasional so I didn't think much more of it.

A month or so ago, we had a problem starting the car that I traced to (I think) the alternator cable going to the auxiliary fuse box. The connector at the box got very hot and needed to be wiggled in order to get a decent contact. I replaced the box and recrimped the cable as best I could.

On Thursday my wife was driving the car with the radio, heater, lights and wipers on when the electrics failed, the warning lights on the dash throbbed on and off and the car made a beeping noise. She managed to get home and I charged the battery so I could use the car the following day. I made three trips out and on the third the car only just made it home. It felt like the car was relying on the battery to drive along and when I got on to the drive it stopped and the battery was dead.

I haven't yet replaced the two year-old battery because I suspect the problem could be elsewhere.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Simon

[gregers]

 

your problem may well be the fuse box under the bonnet,this is a known problem on these cars.the box melts,this results in needing a new fuse box and wiring.
i have just tried to see if it is in the reference library but couldnt see it,no doubt someone else who knows a bit more on the subject will be along shortly to give you better info.

[brummygit]

I would also suggest this could be the problem as its very common. I believe that the problem is actually the crimped on terminal at the fuse-box end of the alternator cable. Apparently, over time, it corrodes and the resistance gets high causing it to heat up - sometimes to the point of the car catching fire. Google will find you lots of information on this problem.

When mine went, I initially replaced just the cable, but I continued to get 'Alternator Workshop' warnings and despite the fusebox looking perfect (and having cleaned all connections) I needed to replace the fusebox as well.

I would say you urgently need to replace the cable, and if there are any signs of heat on the fusebox, such as melted or white plastic, you may need to replace the fusebox again.

If I remember correctly I bought my parts from VW with the cable costing Ã,£45 and the fusebox about Ã,£20

Be sure to disconnect the battery when you are swapping the cable.

[simondstewart]

Thanks to you both, much appreciated. The original fusebox had melted slightly and was replaced a couple of weeks ago. I'll replace the cable as well.

Would that also explain the noise from the electric windows or is that a separate problem?

[brummygit]

I never had any symptoms other than the "Alternator Workshop" warnings with mine - that sounds like a different fault to me.